John A. Shamonda, Nigeria and Adnane S. Moulla, Algeria, talk about the situation in the Sahel region and explain how nuclear techniques can help their countries achieve water security.

Holger Treidel, UNESCO explains why his
organization is taking part in the project.

Abdel K. Dodo, OSS, explains why his
organization is taking part in the project.

Isotope Hydrology - The Fingerprints of WaterIsotope hydrology is used to strengthen
Member States capacities to conduct water
resource assessments. This five-minute
animation provides detail about how
isotopes are used to uncover some of
water's properties.

Photo Essays

December 2013 | Water for a Thirsty SahelThe Sahel region stretches across the African continent between the Atlantic Ocean and the Red Sea. It is a band of land covering an area of 3 million km2 that serves as a buffer zone between the Sahara desert to the north and the Sudanian Savanna to the south. The shaded area in the map gives an approximation of the scope and breadth of this region. Home to more than 50 million people, the Sahel is one of the poorest regions of the world. Among the challenges its people face are water scarcity
and food shortages. View photo essay

UN Radio Coverage

17 January 2014 | Water of HopeThe Sahel region of Africa suffers from droughts and severe water shortages. The IAEA, using nuclear techniques, will map the aquifers in the region for better management of the resources.

21 August 2013 | UN nuclear agency helps to map available water in Africa's Sahel regionThe IAEA is working together with the Sahel countries to map the available groundwater in the region, using a technique known as "Isotope Hydrology".